Aab’o-Hawaa: An Evening with Gulzar

Poetry, Music and Conversation on Environment
Curated & Presented by Salim Arif
Music: Sandesh Shandilya
Singers: Vibhawari Apte Joshi & Hrishikesh Ranade

An NCPA Presentation

Gulzar, one of India’s finest filmmakers, best-loved poets and lyricists, is renowned for his inimitable way with witty expressions and quirky turns of phrases. In a career spanning over 70 years, he has written poems in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi, and often translates from Bangla as well.

Here, the Oscar-winning poet speaks about the environment: rivers, forests, mountains; snow, rain, clouds; the sky, the earth and space; a familiar tree, a disused well; and also, scenic places such as Kullu, Manali, Chamba and Thimphu.

His poems on subjects celebrating his innate connection with his surroundings are often short, with the image captured in just a few words. His creativity comes into play in delightful and unexpected ways in these poems. Sometimes, the image gives rise to a striking thought, “When I pass through the forest, I feel my ancestors are around me . . .”

Based on Gulzar’s poems and concerns around our deteriorating environment, this presentation is curated and directed by Salim Arif, a well-known writer and director. He will also engage Gulzar in a conversation. Some of the poems will be set to music by Sandesh Shandilya and performed by two talented singers: Vibhawari Apte Joshi and Hrishikesh Ranade.

The selection will also include some of Gulzar’s popular songs. In a finale that promises to be rousing, the celebrated poet will take to the stage himself and recite a few poems to reinforce the urgency of the matter concerning our battered environment among a discerning audience.

Box Office: 09th September for Members & 12th September for Public.